Last rites of Indian fisherman who died in Pakistani jail performed

The last rites of Gujarati fisherman Balu Shigand, who died in a Pakistani jail in August, were performed at his native Sonari village on Friday.

Shigand's body reached home 55 days after he passed away and his family came to know about the tragedy after receiving a letter from the Pakistani Government. There was, however, no mention about the cause of death. Shigand's sister Neeta urged the government to provide financial help to their family. "I request the government to take educational and other responsibility of his young children. I also want the government to not only help his children but also his wife and my sister-in-law," said Neeta.

The family members also urged the Pakistani Government to release his two brothers, who are still languishing in Pakistan's Landi jail. "I want the government to bring them back. The family will feel secure if those two are brought back," added Neeta. 

According to Indian officials, more than 100 boats cross the international maritime boundary between India and Pakistan every month and they often have no clue as to how many fishermen had strayed.